How to Care for Someone Without Getting Sick (cont.)

But contagious diseases often confound the best efforts
to control them. While adults are urged to get vaccinated for flu, the vaccines
aren't always 100% effective. And flu can lead to serious respiratory
complications, such as pneumonia.

Now there's concern about a resurgence of whooping cough
(pertussis). "Babies are routinely vaccinated, but new evidence shows that
vaccine effectiveness wanes after five or 10 years," says Dee-Dee Vallez, RN,
MS, NASN continuing education director. "We made a recommendation on adolescent
pertussis vaccination in the spring, and the Food and Drug Administration's
Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices is currently looking at adult
vaccinations."

Basic Prevention Strategies

Prevention begins with basic hygiene:

Approach hand washing as a survival skill, which it
is.

Never touch your mouth, nose, or eyes without washing
your hands.

Teach your kids not to share, as in guzzling milk from
the carton or double dipping chips.

Family members should cover their mouths with a tissue
when they cough
or sneeze, and dispose
of the tissue themselves.

You should also avoid sharing personal items like toiletries, towels,
and pillows.

It seems ironic to say that staying in good health is one
of the best ways to keep from getting sick. But it's true, says Miller. "For
example, about one-fourth of all kids test positive for strep without being sick
themselves. If you're ill with something else and your resistance is down, you
could get strep throat. Getting proper rest and good nutrition can help improve resistance."

Advice From a Germ Freak

Allison Janse, author of The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and
Flu, shares tips with WebMD on staying well when a spouse or child comes
home with a bug. "Be prepared. Stock up on supplies before you need them."